Good points raised here, but I'd caution against assuming solar panels always protect shingles. Sure, they shield them from direct UV rays, but I've seen cases where trapped moisture or debris underneath the panels accelerated deterioration. Also, older shingles can become brittle—installers walking around up there can easily crack or dislodge them unintentionally. Definitely worth having a roofer inspect beforehand, but don't count on panels alone to extend your roof's lifespan significantly...
You're spot on about moisture and debris. My neighbor had panels installed a couple years back, and sure enough, leaves and gunk started piling up underneath. He didn't realize until he noticed some discoloration along the edges of the panels. Ended up having to get someone out there to clean it all out and fix a few shingles... not fun. Definitely smart to have a roofer take a peek first, especially if your shingles are already getting up there in age.
I'm actually in a similar boat—I just got my first house last year and I've been thinking about solar too. Honestly, stories like your neighbor's are exactly why I'm still on the fence. Seems like solar installers always say it's no big deal, but older roofs can be tricky. From what I've gathered, getting a roofer to inspect and maybe even replace worn shingles beforehand could save a lot of headaches later. Better safe than sorry...
"getting a roofer to inspect and maybe even replace worn shingles beforehand could save a lot of headaches later."
That's definitely a smart precaution, but have you considered that even with new shingles, the installation itself can sometimes cause issues? Maybe it's worth asking installers specifically how they handle sealing and waterproofing around mounts...
Good point about the installation itself—I've seen cases where brand-new shingles ended up leaking because the solar mounts weren't sealed properly. When I had mine installed, I specifically asked about flashing and waterproofing methods. The installer walked me through their process, showing how they use metal flashing and sealants to prevent leaks. Definitely worth having that conversation upfront...it can save you from some nasty surprises down the road.
